Oral History Summer Internship

Internship Summary

Learn the skills and best practices of oral history interviewing and archival preservation and access while contributing to the documentation of Stanford University’s history. Tasks will include reviewing and editing interview transcripts and preparing them for deposit into the University Archives; drafting interview abstracts and topics lists; assisting with metadata collection; and administrative tasks as needed. The intern will also receive training in oral history interviewing and coordinate, plan, and complete at least one oral history interview. The internship provides hands-on experience for those interested in careers in history, public history, writing, or library/archives work.

About the Oral History Program

The Stanford Historical Society Oral History Program explores the institutional history of the university through interviews with members of the Stanford community. Powered by the efforts of skilled volunteer interviewers and editors, the program has completed over eight hundred oral history interviews since its inception in 1978 and is growing rapidly. In addition to ongoing interviews of faculty, staff, and alumni, several theme projects are currently underway, including projects on Disability at Stanford; Stanford Athletics; Stanford, COVID-19 and the Crises of 2020-21; and Alumni Stories.

Internship Qualifications

The internship is reserved for Stanford undergraduate or graduate students. The ideal candidate has a strong, demonstrated interest in history and a passion for helping others tell their stories. Excellent writing and proofreading skills; superior organizational abilities; and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet program, and the Google Suite of applications are required. Experience conducting interviews, performing historical research, and working with audio files is preferred. Students majoring in History, American Studies, English, Communication, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Terms of Internship

35 hours per week for 8-10 weeks from June to August, as agreed upon. $18 - $20 per hour. Must be eligible to work in the United States. We are planning on this being an in-person internship, but a virtual option may be available for the right candidate.

Supervisor: Natalie Marine-Street, Oral History Program Manager

See more information about the Oral History Program

How to Apply